“I like what I do, and I have more that I want to accomplish in the next two years,” Patrick added. “And then I promised [my wife] Diane that I’d go back into the private sector, and I’m going to keep that promise.”

Obama, Patrick, their wives, and about a dozen others shared what was billed as a “social dinner” last Friday at the White House. The president had been reelected three nights earlier, and Patrick had served as a surrogate campaigner.

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